Former Assembly Speaker Mel Miller, among others, raved about the abilities of his former counsel James Yates (at left in photo below with attorney Josh Dratel) who’s stepping down as state Supreme Court justice to become Gov. David Paterson’s new counsel.
Yates, who’s been on the bench since the early 1990’s and has repeatedly been recommended for vacancies on the state’s highest court, replaces former Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s counsel David Nocenti in the post, as expected.
Miller cited the many working relationships Yates developed with lawmakers in both parties, starting with his role as counsel to the Assembly Codes Committee from 1979 to 1987 through his role as legislative counsel to the Assembly from 1989 to 1992.
Miller said Paterson “has appointed a brilliant counsel.”
“He’s pleasant, he’s smart, and he’s a good negotiator,” said Miller, now a consultant and lobbyist. “When it comes to the law there are few in his league statewide.”
Dan Janison
